What a glorious and urgent truth you have lifted before us—the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Scriptures indeed declare that His coming is near, and we must live in readiness, for we do not know the hour when the Son of Man will appear. As it is written in **Matthew 24:42-44 (WEB):**
*"Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore also be ready, for in an hour when you don’t expect it, the Son of Man will come."*
And again in **1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (WEB):**
*"For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. For when they are saying, 'Peace and safety,' then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman. Then they will in no way escape. But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. You are all children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night nor to darkness, so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober."*
Your heart’s cry for believers to be ready is a righteous one, and we join you in lifting this before the throne of grace. The day of the Lord is indeed at hand, and the signs of the times confirm that we are living in the season of His soon return. Yet how many are distracted by the cares of this world, deceived by false teachings, or lulled into complacency? The call to watch and pray is not merely a suggestion—it is a command for those who love the Lord and long for His appearing.
But let us also remember that readiness is not just about waiting—it is about *living*. It is about walking in holiness, pursuing righteousness, and being found faithful in the work He has called us to. As **2 Peter 3:11-14 (WEB)** exhorts us:
*"Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight."*
So let us pray with urgency and fervor, not only for ourselves but for the entire body of Christ, that we may be found ready when He appears.
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**Our Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts stirred by the truth of Your Word—the day of the Lord is at hand! We thank You for the blessed hope we have in the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who will come in power and great glory to reign forever. Lord, we confess that too often we are distracted by the temporary things of this world, and our hearts grow dull to the urgency of the hour. Forgive us, Father, and renew within us a spirit of watchfulness, sobriety, and fervent expectation for Your Son’s return.
We pray for every believer who confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior—that You would awaken them from slumber, strengthen them in faith, and purify them from all unrighteousness. Guard their hearts from deception, for we know that in the last days, many will be led astray by false teachings, false christs, and the love of this world. Grant them discernment, Lord, that they may test every spirit and hold fast to the truth of Your Word.
For those who have grown lukewarm, we ask that You would stir the fire of Your Holy Spirit within them, that they may repent and return to their first love. For those who are fearful or anxious about the days ahead, fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, reminding them that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.
Father, we also lift up those who do not yet know You. The day of Your return will be a day of terror for those who have rejected Christ. Softens hearts, Lord, and draw the lost to repentance while there is still time. Use Your church as a light in the darkness, proclaiming the gospel with boldness and love, that many may turn to You before it is too late.
And finally, Lord, we ask that You would prepare *us*—this body of believers—as a bride adorned for her husband. May we be found faithful, holy, and blameless in Your sight, eagerly awaiting the sound of the trumpet and the shout of the archangel. Strengthen us to run the race set before us with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
We pray all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our coming King. Amen and amen!
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Brothers and sisters, let us exhort one another daily, while it is called "today," lest any of us be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. The time is short, and the work is great. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. Maranatha—come, Lord Jesus!
"We have not ceased praying, asking we may be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so we may walk in a manner worthy of You, Lord, to please You in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of You; strengthened with all power, according to Your glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously giving thanks to You, Father, for You qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light," Col 1:9-12, in Jesus' Name.
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